Drisana Levitzke-Gray
Advocating for the rights of the deaf community as the 2015 Young Australian of the Year
Known for her empathy and kindness, disability advocate Drisana Levitzke-Gray has become an inspiration to all Australians.
After growing up in the fifth generation of her family to be born deaf, Drisana learned Auslan as her first lanaguge. Developing a passion for sign language and the deaf community, she would later go on to become the first ever to present a TEDx Talk completely in Auslan.
As the recipient of the Young Australian of the Year Award in 2015, as well as the WA Young Australian of the Year Award, Drisana is passionate about promoting a positive image of deafness. She frequently advocates for the rights of the deaf community, including on the importance of sign language for deaf children and how we can help build a more inclusive society for people with disabilities.
Drisana works closely as an ambassador for Deaf Australia, Our Watch and Full Stop Foundation, and has also presented at different organisations like Warner Music Australia, Woolworths, QANTAS and the Australian Federal Police. She continues to spread awareness of her “Deaf Gain” movement as a keynote presenter and motivational speaker.